flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• adulation
• blarney
• butter
• flannel [British]
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but not for Bobby Brown. —Marina Watts, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

If imitation is a form of flattery, then Wrigley is quite (rightly) flattered by others. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025

And, Margaret, despite being open to negotiations, its decision to opt for defiance, rather than flattery, is a sign China won't back down. —CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere